Terra B

Congrats! I just got my approval today. I just have to wait to be schedule! Ready for the Journey! Good Luck!

Thank you all so much! I have really enjoyed looking at this site for the past few weeks doing my research and reading up on everyone's thoughts and experiences. I will continue to rely on this place and the wonderful support from all you wonderful, caring people! Happy Journey! I will soon be on it with you, all!

I haven't even been approved yet, I am trying to get all my research done. What are Protein shakes ideas that everyone likes/ loves? Thanks!

Thank you so much for your response! Very much appreciated!

I think that it depends on the the kind of person you are. Some people are very private (such as myself), some people just don't give a damn, and some people don't care either way. Do what is comfortable for you. We are not obligated to tell anyone. It's not up to them to understand what we need to do for ourselves. Guaranteed, they do what they want with their life, so do what you want with yours. Good luck either way. Just make sure your decision is right for you.

I used MMJ for medical reasons. There are so many different strains out there and plenty that do not cause munchies. If you go with a strain with more CBD and not as much THC then it is more for pain managment, body buzz opposed to heady high and munchies. If it is something that you need or even chose to use; just research strains. I don't think anyone anywhere including here can/should judge anyone else for the way they choose to live an everyday life occurance. Everyone here is here for the same reason, to lose weight and have support. Not to be judged on other things we do. All of us have our own opinions, if you don't think it is a good idea; simple state that. Don't go on to put each other down. Especially someone who had to go through surgery to lose weight; how can you judge others for what they need to do to get by. Too each his own! I say if you can handle and get your hands on the right strain for you; go for it. If it doesn't work and you start eating because of it; yeah might want to let it go. Good luck to everyone!

Hello everyone! I am new to all this. I have done nutrition, psych eval and met with my surgeon today. I have to wait til everything gets approved before they set a date for me. I read the pre-surgery topic on what to expect and frequent questions asked with answers. The nutritionist went over the amount of Protein and Vitamins and wrote everything down, but there is all so much to take in. I would just like some help understanding the process of what to do and take after the surgery. In not doctors terms. I appreciate all the help and supoort I can get. I am not telling family about this procedure, so I am kinda alone here. Thanks! Terra

Your surgeon or NUT will be able to give you exact amounts for you. But to give you an idea, I take 2 multivitamins a day, 1500 mg or calcium, and B-12 daily. I take supplemental Iron 3 times a week. I was taking supplemental D but at my last check my levels were high so I was told to stop taking it. I eat a protein forward diet. However I do eat dairy, vegetables, fruits and grains like quinoa. I stay away from highly processed foods for the most part and have kept away from bread, rice and Pasta. Sugar is not an everyday part of my diet (except for naturally occurring sugars from fruit and dairy), but in the 17 months since my surgery I have indulged in some processed sugar. It is not a "never again" thing for me. Most of my nutrients come from food. Lean meats, fish, dairy, veggies, nuts, quinoa, etc. at the beginning you will be reliant on protein shakes for your protein as you likely won't be able to eat enough food. I now very rarely rely on a shake and use them mostly when I'm training for a race as a quick way to replenish and give me a needed nutritional boost As for how many people have failed, I can't answer that. I consider myself a success. I've lost 130 lbs and am 2 lbs away from losing 100% of my excess weight. While I'd love to get there and maybe a few pounds below to give me some wiggle room, I'd be happy if I never lost another pound. I wear a size 4 petite and can walk into any store and buy clothes that look good and make me feel good. I've run 5ks, 10ks and a half marathon and have another half marathon next month. I have control over food rather than food having control over me. I eat high quality food that I enjoy and don't feel deprived. Most importantly, I'm living my life rather than letting my life pass me by. Good luck!! If you have more questions, feel free to ask away! OMGosh! You have done awesome! Congrats to you! Thank you for the info! It's nice to hear success stories in hopes that I too can do it. Do you have lose skin problems?

I get this can be frustrating and irritating, but try not to perceive it as lack of support. Having a weight loss surgery is a huge step which changes your entire life, but your family didn't have the surgery - you did. It's great to have friends and family members who understand how hard this process is and who are willing to change their lifestyle with you, but I don't think that's the usual case. Maybe you should just ask your family to be slightly more sensitive and understanding - explain them how you feel. Tell them you need your own kitchen cupboard and fridge shelf so you're not tempted by unhealthy meals they bring into the house. Tell them if they want to buy fast food or sweets, you would like them to pick it up themselves. When I used to diet (I was still living with my parents back then), I knew one way to make them eat healthier food was to cook it myself for all of us. That way I limited the number of temptations around me. And most importantly, come up with some ideas for family activities that don't involve food, so you can all enjoy it and you don't feel left out. Unfortunately food is a huge part of social and family life, but it's not the only one - if you can't make them give up eating during your family time, meet them half way and get them do something where food is just one of the many things to enjoy. That way you can focus on other aspects and stiil have a great time. The thing is, I have my own place! I stayed here because my mom insisted I stay here, because I live up two flights of stairs and my daughter's school is closer to my mom's house. I just assumed by her offering for me to stay here for my recovery that she would try to make this environment as conducive to my needs as possible, but I know you are right! That was unfair for me to expect that, but at the very least I didn't expect her to be asking me to pick things up or use my brand new car to go places to eat when she has a car of her own. It's like they are actually benefitting from me being down, so they can use my car to run around town and eat, and with me being off work I can pick up more crap for her! Maybe I'm being too sensitive lol, I know I'm a brat at times. Also, I'm very independent so being away from mg own home is already hard as it is, I think this just means I need to get better ASAP so I can go to my own comfort zone. I don't think your too sensitive! While they may not change their lifestyle, they could at least while you are staying there be more cautious of what they eat in front of you. They should be at least somewhat supportive of your choice to get healthy. Hang in there. I think once you are home, you will feel better.

I had mine pierced when I was 30 too. I took them out a few years ago tho.

I have not yet been approved for surgery through insurance, but if I do, I will be having Dr. Jeremy Korman from Marina Del Ray. I am sure they will give me a packet when I have been approved for the procedure. He also told me they do have support groups and classes. I just like to do my homework and have all my information understood and ready to go. Here are some questions that I have probably heard the answers to but have forgotten them in the turmoile of all of this. Viatmins? I know we need certain supplements after surgery - how much of what? food? I know we should never eat sugar again, so most of you eat whole now? Protein shakes? Is this what makes up most of your nutrients? Should they be sugar free? How many people have failed even with surgery? I know this is touchy, but it is reality. Thanks

Can you?

Thank you stacyg1! My main concerns are making sure I do the post surgery right. The foods, liquids, Vitamins, etc.... Also, I am in the L.A. area too.

Thank you so much for your responses. I will continue to read and do research.